<p>I think you’re right UT84321. Whitman is quickly being discovered and receiving more and more applications. The US News rankings show Whitman this year as “most selective”, last year they were “more selective”. It’s a great school that’s a bit easier to get into right now than those NE colleges that attract so much attention, but maybe not for long. US News placed it on its “Up- and-coming” list in the #3 position. Here is their explanation of the list:</p>
<p>Best Colleges: Up-and-coming National Liberal Arts Colleges
In spring 2010, for the third year in a row, U.S. News asked the experts who respond to our annual peer assessment survey to identify institutions in their U.S. News ranking category that are making the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, and student life.</p>
<p>I am glad that you were able to visit. I’ve been twice: once for the initial visit and once for the drop off, and I want to go back. It is a gem with beautiful and first rate new facilities, an amazing quad, huge old trees, and it just seems like a great place to go to college. My son is enjoying it too, though he is working way harder than he ever has before. He really enjoys the people and is planning on visiting with friends in Seattle over the Thanksgiving break. He has gone camping twice already to gorgeous places and really seems to like the experience so far. I want to go back!!!</p>
<p>While in some ways it would be great if Whitman became better known, in other ways it is terrific the way it is. There are intelligent and attractive young people who seem to want to be there, and not upset that they are not somewhere else. Whitman does not receive as many applicants as top east coast LACs, but they seem to receive enough bright ones who want to go there to keep the test scores pretty high. </p>
<p>My son is an athlete and his roomie is a nerd, and they get along really well. He met a jazz musician that has him leaning that direction musically which is great since I can’t stand the rap that he likes. There seems to be a good vibe there for the most part and the reports of generally happy students seems to be true, though I’m sure it is not universal. I suspect the fall colors were great. There are some amazing old trees on campus along with quirky statues that are pretty cool on the whole. I hope to be able to go to a parent’s weekend before the four years are up. Other than the sticker shock, there is a lot to like. I suspect that our sons will run into each other sooner or later if they haven’t already. </p>
<p>So good to hear from you, I’m glad your son has settled in well. Mine has taken up rugby and rock climbing, which he says pretty well make up for the lack of hockey. I watched a match while I was there and was happy to see that I was not the only parent to be completely baffled by the sport, the guys playing however were having a complete blast.</p>
<p>Son says that he has loads of reading and writing to keep up with, which I’m sure will stretch him in many ways since he’s always been a math and science sort. He’s pledging a fraternity which I was initially horrified about, but I’ve come to see that Whitman’s Greek life doesn’t fit the animal house stereotype I’ve carried around all these years. I guess it’s a male bonding thing.</p>
<p>The trees on campus were gorgeous, the colors amazing. Here in western Sonoma county we have very few deciduous trees, so it was a real treat.</p>
<p>Take care and I’d love to have updates from time to time.</p>